Keychain flashlight

[Weasel]

I'm in need of a new light for my keychain,it has to be small and as bright as possible.
Any suggestions?

[N_N_R]

Black Water Kite:


USB charged.

[powernoodle]

The Fenix E05 has 3x outputs and cranks 85 lumens.  It is 1xAAA and around $20.  I recommend an Eneloop rechargeable. 

[gregozedobe]

"small" and "as bright as possible" are not really compatible with each other in real-world, practical flashlights.  Perhaps if you can describe how small and what tasks you want to use it for, as well as your budget we can give you some better ideas. 

There's not much point suggesting a $300 custom that is really (really !) bright but you can only run it for 30 seconds before it over-heats and starts to melt (unless that is actually what you want).

[N_N_R]

"small" and "as bright as possible" are not really compatible with each other in real-world, practical flashlights. 

I take it as "as bright as possible for the small size"

[Weasel]

"small" and "as bright as possible" are not really compatible with each other in real-world, practical flashlights. 

I take it as "as bright as possible for the small size"

Yeah that's what I meant NNR

[Weasel]

I just typed more of a response than that but don't know what happened to the rest


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[powernoodle]

There is a sliding scale of size vs. output vs. runtime. You can pick two but not three.  I own "high intensity discharge" lights that are bright enough to ignite tinder.  But they are too big to carry on a keychain.  I own other lights that will run for years (http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?132584-HDS-EDC-locator-flash-runtime-test-in-progress-now-concluded!!!-(see-post-204)), and are small enough to EDC, but put out so little light that they are unusable except as a beacon.

So when we say "small as possible and bright as possible", we have to contextualize it.  That's why I recommended something like the Fenix E05.  It is small enough for keychain.  It will run for several hours if that's what you want.  It will also give you one hour of glory if you need it.  You can go bigger or brighter, but then you sacrifice functional utility (what Nutnfancy recently started calling "gear transparency"). 

Everything in life is a compromise, and this is no different.  We just have to pick where we stand on the sliding scale.  Determine what we are willing to give up in order to receive something we are unwilling to sacrifice.

[Weasel]

Cheers buddy I've gone for a fenix e05 thanks


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[leathermon]

Fenix e15, I put it next to my classic for comparison. Runs on cr123 or rechargeable 16340 and can reach 450 lumens at 55 minutes. I absolutely love this light, for less then 30$ it can't be beat.

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[abcdef]

Nitecore Tube Rechargeable LED Keylight - 45 Lumens - USB Rechargeable

[NKlamerus]

I recommend the Nitecore Tube as well. Definetly feels better in pocket than Fenix E05

[hiraethus]

I'm not totally convinced by the Tube.  I like the variable output, light weight and USB charging but it doesn't feel that robust, it's a bit too floody for me and occasionally when I pull it out of my pocket it's been switched on.  I'm not sure if I turn it on when I grab my keys or if the switch is being pressed while it's in my pocket.  I think I prefer my older model E05 - simple and robust.

[ToolJoe]

I'd highly recommend a Maglite Solitaire LED. Pretty bombproof and reasonably priced.

[powernoodle]

Nitecore Tube Rechargeable LED Keylight - 45 Lumens - USB Rechargeable

I own three of these.  But because of the button configuration, mine will turn itself on in my pocket.  This is sub-optimal.  Part of this may be because I carry a lot of stuff in that pocket, and everyone may not have this problem, but I cannot EDC a Nitecore Tube for this reason.  But otherwise, I love the light.  It isn't expensive, has great functionality and the USB feature is great.

[pfrsantos]

Nitecore Tube Rechargeable LED Keylight - from 1 to 45 Lumens - USB Rechargeable

I own three of these.  But because of the button configuration, mine will turn itself on in my pocket.  This is sub-optimal.  Part of this may be because I carry a lot of stuff in that pocket, and everyone may not have this problem, but I cannot EDC a Nitecore Tube for this reason.  But otherwise, I love the light.  It isn't expensive, has great functionality and the USB feature is great.

+1

My current EDC light. The pocket auto-on happened just a couple of times, when I began carrying it. I take some care when putting it in my pocket and that problem went away. Very powerful, very light (pun intended), very economical (no batteries needed). The variable lumen output is a great function. Lets you use exactly the amount of light you need.

 

[powernoodle]

And the clear one lets you see all of its internals.  Sorta cool.

[Weasel]

I'll see how the e05 when it arrives but I'm sure it will cover my needs


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[pettydroid]

I am currently thinking about buying Lumintop AAA Tool. 110/32/5 lumen, two tailcaps, one clicky, the second one magnetic  and reversible pocket clip.

[WiseDuck]

Nitecore Tube!

Cheap, small, weather resistant, rechargeable and light!
1 lumen for 48 hours. Or 45 lumens for 1 hour.

I use mine all the time and it is great on my keychain. The 45 lumen output has great spread so it lights up entire rooms with ease. The runtime is what really sold me on it. If you stick the 1 lumen mode for most of the usual "need to find the keyhole/see where I'm going in this dark room/see what's inside the glovebox" needs then it'll last pretty much forever.

EDIT: Others have noted above that the button can be pressed accidentally. This has never happened to me, and I keep my keychain in my pocket at all times. I also shove it into my backpack along with other things when Im out for a walk and it has never turned on by accident. The button is actually quite stiff and requires a good press to activate.

[0880]

I have been wearing the MecArmy IllumineX-1 around my neck on a ball chain for a few weeks now.  Great little light and surprisingly bright!  I'm really happy with it so far.

It's 1 5/8" long and about 1/2" in diameter, so perfect for key chain carry also. 

It has 2 levels: 130 lumens for 30 min / 8 lumens for 6 hrs.  It uses a twist to low, twist more for high interface.

It is USB rechargeable with the charger built-in, but the micro USB is hidden under the head so not exposed when not needed.  It charges in 1 hr.

It comes in several flavors, titanium, brass, copper and aluminum.  Price ranges from $25 - $63.

[0880]

Here's a pic, it's the furthest on the right with the ball chain.  Sorry for the recycled pic, used it on another forum.  But it gives you a good idea of it's size.



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[this_is_nascar]

I'm not totally convinced by the Tube.  I like the variable output, light weight and USB charging but it doesn't feel that robust, it's a bit too floody for me and occasionally when I pull it out of my pocket it's been switched on.  I'm not sure if I turn it on when I grab my keys or if the switch is being pressed while it's in my pocket.  I think I prefer my older model E05 - simple and robust.

Which is why I've continued to EDC my original E05 for years.


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[this_is_nascar]

I'd highly recommend a Maglite Solitaire LED. Pretty bombproof and reasonably priced.

I didn't know these existed.  Are they regulated?


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[Weasel]

I'm not totally convinced by the Tube.  I like the variable output, light weight and USB charging but it doesn't feel that robust, it's a bit too floody for me and occasionally when I pull it out of my pocket it's been switched on.  I'm not sure if I turn it on when I grab my keys or if the switch is being pressed while it's in my pocket.  I think I prefer my older model E05 - simple and robust.

Which is why I've continued to EDC my original E05 for years.


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Is the original E05 different to the newer version?



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[dks]

The original one was single mode, 30 LM only.


Try the tank007e09 too.

[hiraethus]

Yep, just on/off.

[pfrsantos]

Here's a pic, it's the furthest on the right with the ball chain.  Sorry for the recycled pic, used it on another forum.  But it gives you a good idea of it's size.


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What is this another forum you talk about?!

[Gareth]

Fenix e15, I put it next to my classic for comparison. Runs on cr123 or rechargeable 16340 and can reach 450 lumens at 55 minutes. I absolutely love this light, for less then 30$ it can't be beat. (Image removed from quote.)

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I've added that to my wish list thanks to you. 

I really don't need one, but I don't have a single CR123 light like this and those numbers look very good.

[Weasel]

The original one was single mode, 30 LM only.


Try the tank007e09 too.

Ok cheers buddy I didn't know that.
My E05 arrived today but I haven't had time to try it out yet.



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